and house speaker john boehner spoke by phone later today, no word what was discussed as the two men try to strike a deal from sending the country over the so- called fiscal cliff. fox 5's bob barnard with the latest development. >> perhaps the phone call is a sign the two sides are trying to kick start negotiations on a tax and spending plan before mandatory cuts in government spending and tax increase goes into effect in less than a month. maryland congressman chris van hollen says he thinks there's only a 50/50 chance a compromise will be reached by the looming end of the year deadline. >> i hope we can come together. it's important to avoid the fiscal cliff. it's also important to do it the right way. >> doing it the right way obviously depends who you're speaking to. i asked maryland democrat chris van hollen, ranking member on the house budget committee, what happens if the white house and republicans in congress cannot reach a deal by january 1st? >> it doesn't necessarily mean january 2nd, you know, the world falls apart, brought it does mean is if you go into january, you kn